Tight layout for spacing in Matplotlib

Introduction

Tight layout helps to automatically adjust the spacing between plot elements so nothing overlaps or gets cut off.

When your plot labels or titles are overlapping each other.

When parts of your plot are cut off in the saved image or display.

When you add multiple subplots and want them spaced nicely.

When you want to improve the overall neatness of your figure without manual adjustments.

Syntax

Matplotlib

plt.tight_layout(pad=1.08, h_pad=None, w_pad=None, rect=None)

pad controls the padding between the figure edge and the edges of subplots.

You call plt.tight_layout() after creating your plots but before showing or saving.

Examples

Basic example: applies tight layout to a simple plot.

Matplotlib

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.plot([1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6])
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Using tight layout with multiple subplots and increased padding.

Matplotlib

fig, axs = plt.subplots(2, 2)
for i in range(2):
    for j in range(2):
        axs[i, j].set_title(f'Subplot {i},{j}')
plt.tight_layout(pad=2.0)
plt.show()

Sample Program

This program creates 4 subplots with titles and axis labels. Using plt.tight_layout() adjusts spacing so labels and titles do not overlap.

Matplotlib

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

fig, axs = plt.subplots(2, 2)

for i in range(2):
    for j in range(2):
        axs[i, j].plot([1, 2, 3], [3*(i+j), 2*(i+j), i+j])
        axs[i, j].set_title(f'Subplot {i},{j}')
        axs[i, j].set_xlabel('X axis')
        axs[i, j].set_ylabel('Y axis')

plt.tight_layout(pad=1.5)
plt.show()

Important Notes

If you still see overlapping, try increasing the pad value.

Tight layout may not work perfectly with some complex plot elements like legends outside the plot area.

Summary

Tight layout automatically adjusts spacing to prevent overlap.

Call plt.tight_layout() after creating plots but before showing or saving.

You can control padding with the pad parameter.